Madras Music Season

The Madras Music Festival, held annually during the Margazhi season (mid-December to mid-January), is one of India’s largest and oldest classical arts festivals.

Established in 1927, it brings together thousands of Carnatic musicians, vocalists, instrumentalists, and Bharatanatyam dancers across numerous sabhas (cultural halls) in Chennai. The city comes alive with daily kutcheris (concerts), lecture-demonstrations, dance recitals, and thematic presentations by both renowned maestros and emerging talents.

The festival celebrates the rich heritage of Carnatic music through intricate ragas, kritis, and improvisational styles like alapana and niraval. Sabha canteens add a cultural flavour with traditional South Indian dishes that are as anticipated as the performances.

The event attracts global audiences, scholars, and art enthusiasts who gather to experience Chennai’s deep-rooted classical culture.